Michael Jordan On Phil Jackson At The Knicks: 'I Know He Can Do It'

Phil Jackson's imminent
hiring with the New York Knicks brought forth
some rare public comments from Michael Jordan, who told ESPN's
Stephen A. Smith on Monday that he thinks his former coach can be
successful as an executive,via ESPN New York:

"Phil can do some good things with them because he's gifted,"
Jordan told ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on Monday. "Phil is fantastic
at managing egos and personalities, getting everyone on the same
page and maxing out whatever potential is there for what should
be the common and ultimate goal.

"Just because he's never been an executive before doesn't
mean he can't do that. He's wanted to do it for a while now, and
I know he can do it ... so long as he has the necessary pieces in
place."

It should be no surprise that Jordan, now the owner of the
Charlotte Bobcats, is
supportive of Jackson's move. He added, though, that the "only
problem" is that teams won't be lining up to give Jackson and the
Knicks draft picks or great players. Jordan might not be known
for patience, but he knows it's going to take time to fix what's
happening in New York.

Jordan said anything Jackson involves himself in "will work
eventually." We'll add emphasis on eventually.

The Knicks are expected to announce Jackson's hiring in a press
conference at 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday.